In winter 1985, Gordon Smith and five others set out in three vehicles to cross the Simpson Desert west to east. They were following the French Line, a track made by oil exploration companies in the 1970’s.![20100131-17-56-48-winter-1985--simpson-desert-crossing](//lh3.ggpht.com/_VqdNmb7Wc_I/S2zJbyYb9bI/AAAAAAAADH4/IP6Z5RxWmjY/20100131-17-56-48-winter-1985--simpson-desert-crossing_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800)
This is actually quite a remarkable shot because it brings out the sheer difficulty of the terrain.
Each year visitors die in the Australian outback because of their failure to take simple precautions - the right vehicle in the right condition, letting people know what you are doing, having reserves of food and especially water.
I often use Gordon's photos on this blog because they are simply so good. Have a browse.